Violent Felony Suspects Could Have DNA Sample Taken Immediately

03.09.2010 by Elizabeth Ziegler

(KCPW News) A bill requiring law enforcement agencies to take a DNA sample from those arrested for violent crimes like rape and assault passed the Utah Senate yesterday. Ed Smart, father of abductee Elizabeth Smart, said he’s thrilled to see the support for the bill. He said it’s a priority for his group, The Surviving Parents Coalition.

“This is all about saving lives, stopping the criminal from reoffending,” he said.  “You know, there is case after case of people that have gotten under the radar, have somehow avoided being caught, and this is trying to close the loopholes and make sure that those that are predators are caught.”

The bill, SB 277, lowers the threshold for when investigators can collect DNA evidence. Currently, it can only be taken after a conviction is secured, but this would change to when law enforcement can prove probable cause. Those proven innocent would have to request to have their DNA removed from the state’s database. The bill passed the Senate with only one dissenting vote.